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Open Advanced Research Facilities Initiative NMR Shared Platform
Program for promotion of shared use of advanced NMR facilities
The Advanced NMR Facility is the largest NMR facility in Hokkaido, and is not only open to local industries, but also to industry, academia and research institutes nationwide.
Research
The Faculty of Advanced Life Science and the Faculty of Science of Hokkaido University play the central role in managing the Advanced NMR Facility. In cooperation with the Institute for the Promotion of Business-Regional Collaboration and the Global Facility Center of the Creative Research Institution, we aim to promote new applications, primarily in industry. For more information on the specifications of the 800 MHz solution NMR, 600 MHz solid-state NMR and other instruments, as well as application procedures for their use, please see our website. We hope that you will take advantage of the project to promote shared use of the Advanced NMR Facility at Hokkaido University.
Makoto Demura Professor -
Coherent Raman Scattering Endoscope
Development of an eye for a novel endoscopic surgical support robot using coherent Raman scattering for label-free nerve visualization
Raman scattering provides insight into molecular species and structures without staining, but its use has been limited due to its extremely weak scattering. We are developing microscopes and endoscopes that provide Raman images in real-time by using coherent Raman scattering phenomena with ultrafast lasers.
Research
Raman scattering has been used in chemical analysis, physical chemistry, and semiconductor research because it provides information on molecular species and structures without staining. It is also recently actively applied to the biological and medical fields. However, Raman scattering is very weak. We have developed a multifocal coherent Raman scattering microscope with integrated a wavelength-tunable synchronous picosecond laser and realized imaging at 100 frame/s, which is faster than the video rate. We also demonstrated that nerves are visualized without staining and at high speed under a rigid endoscope of 12 mm in diameter and 550 mm in length. It is expected to be a new imaging tool for nerve-sparing endoscopic surgery.
Mamoru Hashimoto Professor -
A New Plant Growth Promotion Technology That Stimulates Growth
Next generation biomass production using wastewater and the possibility of using symbiotic bacteria for plant factories
A completely new growth-promoting bacterium, P23, was discovered in ukikusa (subfamily Lemnoideae) at the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. The P23 bacterium accelerates the growth of plants by stimulating a surface switch. Ukikusa is a high value-added biomass that grows on wastewater as a fertilizer, and symbiosis with P23 doubles its production rate.
Research
The aquatic plant known as ukikusa is a soft biomass that can grow by absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and contains almost no lignin or cellulose. Its protein content is approximately 30%, comparable to that of soybeans, and its starch accumulation can reach 50%, depending on the growth environment. Its protein can be used directly as livestock feed, while its starch is useful as a raw material for biofuel production and the production of HMF, a precursor for chemical products. To improve the production yield of the next generation biomass, we are developing technology to promote plant growth with the symbiotic action of surface bacteria. In addition to ukikusa cultivation, it is expected to apply this technology to hydroponic cultivation of vegetables and cereals (plant factories). This is an old but new biotechnology that does not involve genetic modification and follows the natural order of things.
Masaaki Morikawa ProfessorDoctor of Engineering -
Development of Therapeutic Agents and Biomarkers for Stress-induced Diseases
Molecular psychoneuroimmunology to understand the molecular mechanism of “disease starts in the mind”
Chronic stress has become a widespread problem in our society as it may lead to sudden death or other serious problems due to overwork or insomnia. We have clarified the molecular mechanism by which chronic stress induces organ damage and sudden death in mice through the activation of specific neural circuits. This system can be used to search for therapeutic targets for stress-induced diseases.
Research
We are studying the link between stress and disease. Recently, when autoreactive T cells against central nervous system antigens were transferred to mice that had been subjected to chronic stress, the mice suddenly died. The cause of death was heart failure due to hemorrhage in the stomach and duodenum, as found with humans. Stress-specific activation of neural circuits induced microinflammation in the brain, where transferred T cells, etc. were accumulated in specific blood vessels, and a new neural circuit activated by this triggered the gastrointestinal disorder and heart failure. There have been no animal model of stress in which the molecular mechanism has been elucidated, and this model is useful for screening of new drugs for stress-induced diseases. Using this system, we also identified a group of molecules of which the expression is upregulated in specific blood vessels in the brain during stress, and antibodies against these molecules suppressed sudden death. We are also currently identifying marker candidates for autoreactive T cells in humans.
Masaaki Murakami Professor -
Controlling Plants with Roots
How to control root regeneration
Roots are essential organs of many plants, and root injuries heal quickly. This is because a mechanism is at work that maintains the biomass ratio between the roots and the above-ground parts at a constant value. At this laboratory, we have clarified the root regeneration mechanism and have demonstrated the possibility that technology can control the biomass ratio.
Research
Root pruning (root cutting) has widely been used in horticulture such as bonsai and fruit tree cultivation to empirically control the above-ground parts by controlling the roots. This is a technique that empirically utilizes the fact that the biomass ratio of the roots to the above-ground parts remains constant. We have discovered YUCCA9, a gene that synthesizes auxin, a plant hormone necessary for root regeneration when roots are cut. In the course of our research, we have been able to combine drugs that pharmacologically inhibit root regeneration, and we have also been able to produce plants with genetic traits that prevent root regeneration from occurring.
Root regeneration is a widespread phenomenon of land plants, and by applying this research to cultivated varieties, it will be possible to increase or decrease the above-ground biomass, which will result in higher yields, labor intensiveness, cost control, and high added value to agricultural and horticultural crop varieties.Masaaki Watahiki Associate Professor -
Academic Intercloud
Promoting research and development through academic cloud collaboration
We promote research to create an academic intercloud that links nationwide cloud systems, and conduct joint research on cloud-related technologies such as the optimization of resource allocation in intercloud environments and linkage between supercomputers and interclouds.
Research
Hokkaido University Information Initiative Center has established the Hokkaido University Academic Cloud, one of the largest academic clouds in Japan, and provides cloud services to researchers nationwide, including those concerning virtual and physical machines and their cluster systems, high-speed high-capacity cloud storage services, and machine learning and big data processing systems for research and development. We are also promoting research on fundamental technologies to realize nationwide cloud system collaboration and system construction to support researchers. Specific examples include the development of infrastructure technologies for cloud collaboration (authentication collaboration, etc.) and the construction of a test system (Fig. 1), resource allocation optimization in an intercloud environment, and the realization of a large-scale design optimization framework on a nationwide scale by linking supercomputers and intercloud infrastructure (Fig. 2). We are also conducting joint research with universities, research institutes and companies across the country.
Masaharu Munetomo Professor -
Nano Knowledge Exploration Project
Knowledge discovery from experimental records of nanocrystalline devices
In this research, we are studying knowledge management to extract and organize useful information for device development from experimental records and papers compiled in the process of research and development of nanocrystal devices.
Research
In this presentation, we propose an experiment record management system based on interviews with researchers in actual nanocrystal device development. The system proposes an integrated method for the management of records of parameters used in experiments that have been stored and recorded separately, as well as the resulting experimental records. In addition, by extracting information from the paper summarizing the final experiment, we propose a method for analyzing the purpose and characteristics of a series of experiments conducted by researchers in detail, and for using it as the basis for discussing similarities between various cases. With this method, we are proposing a method of extracting useful information from unknown papers by using machine learning methods on a corpus of information manually extracted by a few people.
Masaharu Yoshioka Professor -
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Developing Interfaces that Read Users’ Intentions
Controlling robots and mice freely
We are developing interfaces that make it possible for users and machines to learn from each other and to operate machines as the users intend. It also facilitates the control of robots and other machines, and input with pointing devices such as mice and trackballs.
Research
For a user to operate a multi-degree-of-freedom robot such as a humanoid robot, it is necessary to remember which commands correspond to which operations, and the more commands there are, the harder it becomes for the user. Since it is usually difficult to prepare a set of commands that are easy to remember and use for all, there is no guarantee that the interface created will be easy to use. With this research, we read the user's intentions through the interaction between the user and the machine, and construct an interface that the user can operate intuitively. As a result, we can develop easy-to-use interfaces that match the characteristics of individual users. We are also applying this technology to the development of an air mouse and air trackball that can be operated without a device by sensing the movement of the hand operating the mouse or trackball.
Masahito Yamamoto Professor -
High-precision Acoustic Position Recognition, Time Synchronization, Selective Flickerless Visible Light Communication
Submillimeter-order position measurement and its deployment
By integrating ranging technology that is more accurate than conventional methods by double digits and original time-synchronization technology using illumination, we can quickly and accurately estimate the 3D position and velocity of mobile terminals and robots. The system also realizes selective flickerless visible light communication and position-dependent information distribution to specific moving objects.
Research
To accurately obtain the position of a user in a room or a moving object in real time, we have proposed a high-precision time reference point setting method called the phase-matching method (ranging error of 0.03 mm). Based on this technology, we have developed a smartphone users’ gesture recognition system and a robot tracking system. We have also achieved microsecond-order time synchronization using a camera-equipped mobile terminal and an original algorithm. The integration of LED modulation and terminal location information will allow us to distribute location-dependent information and conduct flickerless visible light communication using indoor lighting.
Masanori Sugimoto Professor -
Steam/Water Mixture Spray Cleaning Method with an Ultra-low Impact on the Environment
An ultraprecise and safe cleaning method making use of the physical action of steam and water and no chemicals.
We have developed an innovative cleaning method using a completely new vapor-water multiphase spray method, whereby water and steam are mixed and sprayed at high speed from a nozzle. This method is especially notable for not using any chemicals and minimizing the burden on the environment.
We have confirmed that the specified performance can be achieved with ultra-precision cleaning during semiconductor manufacturing processes, etc.Research
Based on our previous research results, we have discovered that when a droplet hits a solid surface in a condensable gas (not air), splashing is suppressed and a thin liquid film (lamella) spreads on the solid surface at high speed. Since the high-speed lamellae may generate a strong fluid shear force, it seemed possible to use a mixed jet of steam and water to realize an environmentally friendly cleaning method.
Based on our previous research results, we have confirmed that this cleaning method, which uses only water and steam, can achieve the specified cleaning performance for ultra-precision cleaning required in the manufacturing processes of semiconductors, LEDs, and solar cells. This cleaning method is also safe both for the human body and the environment, because it uses only water and steam instead of detergents or other chemicals that are harmful to the human body.Masao Watanabe Professor -
Ultimate Behavior Analysis of Seismically-Isolated Structures
To prepare for a mega earthquake
Our laboratory is developing advanced analysis techniques for seismic isolation systems, and can predict the ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings in the event of a mega earthquake, and propose various countermeasures to prepare for a mega earthquake.
Research
In a seismically-isolated building, the seismic isolators deform softly during an earthquake, greatly reduce response acceleration in the superstructure and improve the seismic safety. On the other hand, ultimate events such as collisions with retaining walls and buckling or rupture of the seismic isolation bearings may occur for the ground motions exceeding design level caused by a mega earthquake such as the Nankai Trough Mega Earthquake. By using analysis technologies to precisely predict the ultimate behavior of seismically-isolated buildings, it is possible to foresee the occurrence of ultimate events and to consider countermeasures to suppress their occurrence.
Masaru Kikuchi Professor -
Remote Sensing of Ground Deformation in the Arctic
Detection of surface subsidence associated with permafrost thawing
Images of ground deformation can be detected from data obtained by the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onboard the Daichi satellite. Conventionally, the main target has been ground surface displacement caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity, but detection of local ground deformation that is not associated with earthquakes or volcanoes in the permafrost regions of the Arctic Circle has also started.
Research
In the study of earthquakes and volcanic activity, the Earth's interior is sometimes estimated by capturing slight movement of the Earth's surface. This movement is called crustal movement, and efforts are still being made to improve the estimation accuracy and quality. Recently, interferometric SAR (SAR interferometry), which uses satellite SAR phase data, has made it possible to detect crustal movement in remote areas and overseas. In the Arctic, there is no so-called crustal movement, but as shown in the figure below, clear ground deformation has been detected in Western Siberia. This can be seen around so-called thermokarst terrain, which is often found in the Arctic, and is thought to represent subsidence of the ground surface due to the thawing of permafrost. Research on the formation process of thermokarst landforms, which has been largely untouched in the past, has just begun, and evaluation of the impact of global warming is an important issue for the future.
Masato Furuya Professor -
Creation of Highly Active Catalysts Using Polystyrene-bridged Bisphosphine Ligands
Design of metal complex catalysts using polymeric carriers as the reaction site and development of an efficient synthetic processes
We have developed polystyrene-crosslinked bisphosphine ligands that can be used to create polymer-supported metal catalysts. Thanks to the effect of polymer topology, it is possible to suppress disproportionation of metal complexes and deactivation of catalysts caused by metal aggregation. It is particularly useful as a ligand for first transition series metal catalysts.
Research
Heterogeneous (insoluble) metal catalysts, which are easy to separate from the reaction mixture and have excellent reusability, can be used for organic synthesis in an environmentally-friendly manner. However, compared with the corresponding homogeneous (soluble) catalysts, they have a problem of reduced catalytic activity. We have developed a polystyrene-crosslinked bisphosphine ligand, PS-DPPBz, based on the topological control of polymer chains. Since this ligand is effective in generating highly active monochelate mononuclear transition metal complexes, it has significantly improved the efficiency of Ni-catalyzed reactions such as amination coupling of aryl chlorides and ester-azole coupling. PS-DPPBz can also be used for substrates to which it is difficult to apply existing catalysts. PS-DPPBz can be separated by filtration and reused, so it is expected to use this catalyst for industrial purposes.
Masaya Sawamura Professor -
Development of a Compact Dosimeter Using an Optical Fiber
Application of ultra-small dosimeters to radiotherapy and diagnostic fields by combining an ultra-small scintillator and an optical fiber
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in radiation protection against serious skin damage caused by X-ray fluoroscopy. Through this research, we developed a plain ultra-small plastic scintillator dosimeter that does not show up on X-ray fluoroscopic images attached to the end of the optical fiber to prevent late-onset radiation injury.
Research
For endovascular treatment with X-ray fluoroscopy (IVR; Interventional Radiology), the patient is subjected to prolonged X-ray fluoroscopy. Repeated procedures for myocardial infarction and other conditions may cause ulcers and other serious skin disorders. Conventional dosimeters have the problem that they cause a shadow in the fluoroscopy detection area. In particular, since energy dependence affects the accuracy of measurements, there have been no dosimeters that are compact, have little energy dependence, and do not cause shadows on fluoroscopy. However, the SOF dosimeter developed in this study is characterized by not showing up under X-ray fluoroscopy because the density of the sensor part is close to that of the living body. At present, the SOF dosimeter has achieved sensitivity variation of 5% or less in a range of 60 to 150 kV, and we are working with a company to improve the sensor material to further reduce the sensitivity variation.
Masayori Ishikawa Professor -
Low-power A/D Converters for Sensing
Use of time to digital converter for A/D converter and its low power consumption
Single-Slope A/D converters, which involve the simplest configuration, are used in various forms (image sensors, etc.). However, one drawback is their slow conversion speed. With this technique high speed and low power consumption can be achieved simultaneously.
Research
Single-Slope A/D converters convert analog values to time and then digitize them. By using the Time to Digital Converter (TDC), the conversion time can be greatly reduced. However, power consumption increases significantly. Intermittent operation of the TDC is effective to reduce the power consumption of the TDC part by a factor of several times ten, enabling both high speed and low power consumption. The features of this method are as follows:
Realization of low-power, high-speed, small-area A/D converters
・Synchronization and consistency of two measurements with high precision and coarse accuracy are guaranteed in principle
・The A/D conversion characteristics are continuous and easy to correct.Masayuki Ikebe Professor -
Reduce Stress on the Liver to Prevent Liver Disease!
To prevent lifestyle-related diseases of the liver (e.g., fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis)
We are analyzing the molecular mechanisms of organ stress, mainly in the liver, for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. Using our unique optical imaging technology, we are conducting dynamic analysis to explore functional foods and develop new drugs from a new perspective.
Research
In recent years, the number of lifestyle-related diseases such as fatty liver and steatohepatitis has been steadily increasing. These conditions are generally unrecognized and difficult to prevent due to their slow progression and lack of subjective symptoms. However, since these diseases are known to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, prevention and suppression of progression are important.
We are studying the molecular mechanisms of the progression of hepatic steatosis, injury, hepatitis, and liver fibrosis caused by various kinds of stress. At the same time, we are searching for functional foods and therapeutic agents to inhibit the progression of disease. Furthermore, we are attempting to conduct unique pathological analysis and construct an in vitro screening system for functional foods and drugs by applying optical imaging technology.Michitaka Ozaki ProfessorMD, PhD -
An Idea-supporting Multimedia Search System
An information retrieval system that organically links images, video and other data to help searchers find inspiration and ideas.
The idea-supporting multimedia search system organically links unstructured data such as images, music and video, extracts inherent similarities and effectively presents them to searchers to help them find ideas and inspiration.
Research
We have succeeded in establishing associations and similarities between different media, and developed an associative search scheme that takes ambiguity of multimedia information into consideration (fused search). We have also realized a new search engine and interface by quickly introducing modeling of personal preferences through user networks and visualization of similarities in preferences through user interfaces (personal adaptive search). Use of the search engine and interface enables a completely new search that effectively utilizes the polysemy and ambiguity inherent in multimedia contents.
Miki Haseyama Professor -
New Crystal Material Converts Sunlight into Laser Light
New Cr, Nd co-doped crystals for high efficiency solar-pumped lasers
The Nd:CaYAlO4 crystal exhibits a wide absorption band in the visible region and a large absorption cross section. Since the energy absorbed by chromium is transferred to neodymium, it is expected to convert solar energy to laser light with high efficiency.
Research
We have fabricated CaYAlO4 single crystals doped with chromium (Cr) and neodymium (Nd) using a technique called the floating zone melting method. By appropriately controlling the fabrication conditions, high-quality red transparent crystals were obtained (Fig. 1). The crystal has a very wide absorption range from the ultraviolet region to the visible region, and shows sufficient absorption even at the wavelength where the energy of sunlight is at its maximum (Fig. 2). We have also found that the absorption is 70 times or more that of conventional materials such as Cr and Nd:YAG. These properties are unique to the newly developed crystal and not found in existing materials. We have also demonstrated that neodymium can emit light upon excitation in the absorption band of chromium due to its fluorescence properties (Fig. 3). Based on this result, it is expected to convert solar energy into laser light with high efficiency.
Mikio Higuchi Specially Appointed Associate Professor -
Production of High-purity Sodium
Recycling of sodium resources by electrorefining
There is a sodium-sulfur rechargeable battery that is mainly used for industrial applications. In this research, I am developing a recovery process of metallic sodium from inside of used batteries, and produce high-purity sodium by electrorefining.
Research
This research is for the development of a process of the purification of metallic sodium containing impurities by electrorefining. Metallic sodium from used sodium-sulfur batteries is used as a source material. By placing the metallic sodium in the upper left (anode) of an electrolysis cell model (Fig. 1) and applying current, the sodium ions dissolve in the electrolyte and only the sodium is deposited on the high-purity sodium (cathode) layer on the upper right. This process can be operated at 200°C or less. The high-purity sodium obtained by this electrolysis is pure enough to be used as a raw material for batteries and growth medium of semiconductor crystal. Since Japan is dependent on foreign countries for sodium resources, we believe that this technology will be widely applied in the future.
Mikito Ueda Professor -
Accelerometer to Identify Where You Stumble
To prevent falls in elderly people
To avoid serious injuries due to falls, we studied a system that can search places with a potential danger of stumbling, which is a sign of a fall, based on people’s daily activities. The system uses an accelerometer embedded in sandals to identify the stumbling point, and an infrared sensor network on the ceiling to identify the location of the stumbling point.
Research
According to a survey by the Tokyo Fire Department in 2014, approximately 80% of all cases of emergency transportation of elderly people are due to accidents involving falls. Since their consciousness cannot keep up with their declining physical abilities, they stumble over small steps, footwear, or clothing. Much research is done on the detection of falls, but it is too late after the actual fall. Therefore, we decided to eliminate the causes of falls by detecting the areas where people often stumble. Wearable devices have problems with forgetfulness and psychological resistance to wearing it, while non-wearable devices such as surveillance cameras have problems with blind spots and privacy protection. In this study, an acceleration sensor is attached to normal sandals to detect a stumble, while a network of infrared sensors installed on the ceiling works in conjunction to identify the location of the stumble. In our experiments, we were able to distinguish falls easily, but the accuracy rate of distinguishing stumbling from normal walking is currently only about 1/4, so we hope to improve the accuracy in the future.
Mineichi Kudo Professor
